Translator: Job description

Translators convert written material from one or more 'source languages' into the 'target language', ensuring that the translated version conveys the meaning of the original as clearly as possible. The target language is usually the translator’s mother tongue.

Translators usually need an excellent command of two or more languages. The languages most in demand are the official languages of the European Union (EU)  and the United Nations (UN) .

Translators work on:

• scientific;
• technical;
• commercial;
• literary;
• legal; and
• educational documents.

Most translators work freelance from home, either for translation agencies or directly for clients, although some organisations employ in-house translators.

Typical work activities

The translation process usually involves a combination of the following:

• reading through original material and rewriting it in the target language, ensuring that the meaning of the source text is retained;
• using specialist dictionaries, thesauruses and reference books to find the closest equivalents for terminology and words used;
• using appropriate software for presentation and delivery;
• researching legal, technical and scientific phraseology to find the correct translation;
• liaising with clients to discuss any unclear points;
• proofreading and editing final translated versions;
• providing clients with a grammatically correct, well-expressed final version of the translated text, usually as a word-processed document;
• using the internet and email as research tools throughout the translation process;
• prioritising work to meet deadlines;
• providing quotations for translation services offered;
• consulting with experts in specialist areas;
• supplying subtitles for foreign films and television programmes;
• retaining and developing specialist knowledge on specialist areas of translation;
• networking and making contacts.